Childlike faith

Topic: Humility

Focus: Childlike faith

Matthew 18:2-5 (CJB) He called a child to Him, stood him among them, and said, “Yes! I tell you that unless you change and become like little children, you won’t even enter the Kingdom of Heaven! So the greatest in the Kingdom is whoever makes himself as humble as this child. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me…”

If you’ve ever worried about whether you ‘know enough’ about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible—these verses should settle those fears. God loves simple faith. Jesus was careful to recognize the ‘special faith’ children seem to possess, also.

As I taught music to preschool and elementary school children for many years, I loved seeing how easily they embrace the good news of Jesus Christ. They are eager to learn Bible story songs and are so capable of understanding that Jesus is their friend and He loves them. They don’t need to know doctrine or theology—they just accept with simple faith the fact that God made them and loves them.

Every little child knows that sometimes they are naughty and don’t do the right things. It is easy for them to believe that God, who loves them, knew they needed a special Savior, so He sent His Son, Jesus to die for their sins, so they could be forgiven and live in heaven someday.

Children are also comforted to know that the Holy Spirit can be with them at all times as an invisible helper.

From the time we’re little children—all we can think of is ‘growing up.’ However, in some ways, it would be better for us if we could remain ‘childlike’, when it comes to having faith.

Children who know the Lord are quick to want to say their prayers and sing songs about Him. Children seem to have a gift for being able to tell when somebody loves them. You can see them gravitating toward a person who they know will accept them and give them attention.

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I love children and it always touches my heart when I catch the eye of a little one at the cashier line in a store. Often they are looking around to see if there is anyone in the area who is noticing them. When they catch someone’s eye and that person smiles at them or gives them a little ‘wave’, their joy is instantly visible. They might smile and then look away—or look to mom or dad as though to say, “can I smile back at that nice person who likes me?” If they are sensing it’s okay for them to participate, they will look back and a little game of sorts ensues as they smile at you and you smile back—or they wave and you wave back. They love the attention and the interaction—but most of all, they love knowing that someone who loves children is showing them love.

That’s the humble simplicity that God wants from us. He doesn’t want us to be intimidated by anyone who seems to ‘know more’ about Him than we do. He wants us to know that knowledge isn’t the most important thing in His eyes.

What He’s really interested in, is people who are interested in Him…just like little children. Those who will just ‘draw near’ because they know He loves them.

God wants our attention—our time—and our love. It’s really very simple.

We don’t have to be taught by ‘man’. We can learn so much about Him, if we will take the time to seek Him.

In depression, it’s pretty normal to feel ‘old’ and sometimes ‘abandoned’. The story of  ‘childlike faith’ can be very comforting when you wonder if you missed something about God and are thinking maybe it’s too late to catch up.

It doesn’t matter how much you know about God, if you love Him and want to get to know Him better—He will make sure you have the opportunity to do so. Being able to one day enter the Kingdom of Heaven has nothing to do with how much you know. It’s all about Who you know.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. When you come to Christ, you are like a little child to Him—and He loves children! So, you’re all set. Just be humble and childlike as you approach God. Remember He is a loving and kind Father who is always waiting to catch a wave or a smile—or just look you in the eye.

Declaration: I will find new strength as I become like a little one. I’m not a failure in God’s sight. If I come to Him as the helpless child I am—just admitting I love Him and need His attention—He will always be happy to welcome me.